Nelson Mandela will live in my heart forever, says Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar took to Twitter to offer his heart-felt tribute to former South African President Nelson Mandela who died on Thursday at the age of 95.

Written by Press Trust of India

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New Delhi:

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Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar today paid heart-felt tribute to former South Africa president Nelson Mandela, saying the anti-apartheid icon was a "truly inspirational human being".

"When I met Mr Mandela it was one of the most memorable days of my life. A truly inspirational human being....," wrote Tendulkar on his Twitter account.

"He will live on in my heart forever. R.I.P," he further wrote.

Madiba, as Mandela was fondly known, had been battling health issues in recent months, including a recurring lung infection that led to numerous hospitalisations.

Mandela, who emerged from prison after 27 years to lead South Africa out of decades of apartheid before becoming the country's first black leader, had faced several health scares. His most recent hospital stay spanning over three months was his longest since he walked free in 1990.

Mandela is respected worldwide for his role in fighting racism in South Africa, and for forgiving his former white captors after his release from prison.

South African golf great Gary Player called Mandela "our beloved Father of the South African nation". New Zealand's rugby players have always acknowledged the impact of Mandela, who inspired South Africa to victory over the All Blacks in the 1995 World Cup final.